“We have a lot of shoplifters here. It was very busy. He thought [Whitaker] took something and he wasn’t sure.”

According to WENN, Galofaro believes the employee’s actions weren’t racially motivated. He added that the worker’s intentions were simply “misguided.” Although the deli owner said the employee is welcome to return to his job, the worker apparently isn’t interested in coming back.

Although Forest Whitaker didn’t call the police after he was falsely accused of shoplifting, he did ask that the deli rethink how it treats people going forward. He also didn’t want the employee to lose his job.

“This was an upsetting incident given the fact that Forest did nothing more than walk into the deli. What is most unfortunate about this situation is the inappropriate way store employees are treating patrons of their establishment.

“Frisking individuals without proof/evidence is a violation of rights. Forest did not call the authorities at the request of the worker who was in fear of losing his employment. Forest asked that, in the future, the store change their behavior and treat the public in a fair and just manner.”

What do you think about the apology Forest Whitaker received from the New York City deli?